Mt. Rainier National Park waives entrance fees on Nov. 11

Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga announced that entrance fees into Mount Rainier National Park will be waived for all visitors on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010 in recognition of Veterans Day.

Nov. 11 was declared Armistice Day in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson to honor the soldiers who fought in World War I. The name was changed to Veterans Day on June 1, 1954 to honor all those who served.

Entrance fee waivers on this holiday have been observed since 2006 and apply to all public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture.

Facilities open within the park during this holiday include the Longmire Museum which features exhibits, information and books sales, the National Park Inn for lodging and meals and the Longmire General Store where guest can purchase gifts and moderate food items, as well as the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise which offers exhibits, visitor information, food service, a gift shop and book store.

In addition, most businesses in the gateway communities surrounding the park will remain open.

More information is available at www.visitrainer.com.

The road between Longmire and Paradise was scheduled to begin nightly closures on November 1, however a mild weather forecast for the near future will allow the road to remain open.

The Stevens Canyon Road, connecting the west and east sides of the park, also remains open at this time.

Weather in the mountains can change rapidly at this time of year and visitors are advised to be prepared for possible sudden storms. Roads may close at any time due to weather changes and chains should always be carried. Visitors should not park overnight on the Stevens Canyon Road as this road may also close without warning and visitors risk having their vehicles stuck between closed gates.

Information on current park roads and weather conditions can be obtained by calling the park at 360-569-2211 for recorded information that is updated regularly.